I really like the product (food, smoothies, etc.), and this sort of place is needed in Melrose. However, be aware that the service is more than a bit slow. If you don't mind waiting 20-25 minutes for a burrito, go for it! This is a nice little spot. read more

I had my first experience at La QChara today. It was recommended by a coworker. I ordered the El Toston, it was delicious. The place was packed, as great places often are. It was clean, fresh, and the smell when you walk in the door is fantastic. Needless to say, I will be going back. read more

I've been here a few times. I always have the expectation that my order will be delicious, but truth be told, I'd say it's mediocre at best. I make a lot of these staples at home and the flavor just doesn't hit the way I'd think it would. I do appreciate that they have vegan/vegetarian friendly options, so that is good. In my most recent visit, I appreciated that seating was very spaces in compliance with COVID measures. I was a bit disappointed that after leaving a generous tip and asking for the dine-in option, I waited at my table for 20 minutes after others were being served because the person mistakenly marked us a to-go order which was waiting at the table behind us, unbeknownst to me. Lastly, the portion to pricing is very underwhelming. I ordered the stuff avocado (made with one avocado), a salad (which could've been a side salad instead) and a side of chips and dip and it cost $40. I could've had leftovers to take home at a traditional Spanish restaurant having spent the same money. The staff is always pleasant though and the waiter who realized there was a mistake with our dine-in order was very accommodating and apologetic. read more

Pretty good brunch, great lattes. Pro tip: restaurant gets busy at around 11am on weekends so get there early, and grab your table first.

After visiting a number of times for lunch and coffee, I finally made it for breakfast and it certainly did not disappoint. I had the huevos rancheros and they were excellent. My only issue with La Qchara is that it's not a large full service restaurant, because the only thing better than their food would be a nice tropical cocktail with it! read more

The food was top notch!! It was so good and I loved it. I had the quesadillas and it was sooooo good

It was my first time at the restaurant it was a nice cafe and the food was very good. I ate breakfast and the meal was very good and well prepared read more

Very good food and coffee. The owner is incredibly nice and all their ingredients are fresh.

I never do this, especially about restaurants that I frequent and love, but I ordered from La Qchara today using their app and they forgot part of my order. Not a big deal in the scheme of things it happens. However, I called and informed them about what was going on and they fixed it. Advised me to come in and they would get me a new order. Great! I leave my house, and driving when I get a phone call from someone at the restaurant. Again apologizing for the mix up, and they ask for me to bring the food they messed up back to the restaurant and they can fix the order. (Note again here, I come in a few times a month) When I informed the woman on the phone that I was already in the car and on my way, she said .."awwww...well I guess we could just give you a side of chicken" instead of redoing the meal in question. She then helpfully informed me that when you add meat to your meal in the app there is no way to tell in the restaurant, so you have to add the modification and write a note to the restaurant so they will see the changes you want. I don't take offense to the offer to fix the new, but between her very condescending tone and the fact that no one told me to bring the new in question with me when I called the first time I really believe they should have just replaced it. Also, your app doesn't work properly and your customer is to blame??!?!? The woman, who's name I forget (Olga perhaps) then proceeds to try to explain the situation and not only speaks to me like a child, but again is condescending and rude. I decided to turn my car around and not go back because I was furious by this time. And I don't like to yell at the people when they work. (I work in customer service too and rude people don't help anyone) Honestly, the food is almost always amazing. But I'm done with La Qchera and Coffee, Tea and Me for a while. No just due to how rude and disrespectful the staff was on the phone, but for the lack of care and in fact how much ruder the woman was once I informed her of why I had a problem. Don't treat your customers like this...I honestly expect WAY MORE from restaurants like this. Local and high quality. I'm done with you La Qchara. Way to treat your customers horribly and give local restaurants a bad name. *The stars are based on the customer service only! The food is classically great, but I can not support a business who is rude and disrespectful to their customers. read more

My girlfriend and I stopped by on our way through. I had the Huevos Rancheros and she the Ven. Benedict. Mine was good but hers was excellent! read more

Super friendly, great and creative menu, good value for food, delicious food. If it were socially acceptable to lick the plate, I would have. read more

Just had dinner with my family. We arrived at 5:40 and they let us sit, even though they close at 6. The server made great recommendations. My kids had a chicken quesadilla and pancakes for dinner--both on the kids meal and both a bargain for what you get. They also got a Lorenzo smoothie, which I wanted them to hate cause it was sooo good--but they loved it--and even though it is green from spinach you'd never know it was in there. They loved their food too. I got the pork arepas, which came with yucca fries and an amazing avocado and cilantro dip. I don't know arepas well, so I can't judge their authenticity, but this thing was awesome! Also got a cobb salad, which was good. It wasn't a totally traditional cobb--but it wasn't alternative enough to make it noteworthy--but it was yummy and fresh. And, of course, I got a muffin for the kids which was devoured. We're big fans of CTM muffins:) I love that it is counter service but it still feels like a restaurant meal. I love that the food came fresh and hot and carried out by the owner, Lorenzo, who always has something nice to say to the kids;) I love that there are healthy options on the menu and that my kids are trying and loving foods from lots of different places. And I LOVE that this is in MELOSE! Great Job ! read more

The Peru quinoa bowel with chipotle chicken was wonderful. I planned on eating half for dinner and saving the other half for tomorrow's lunch. So much for that idea. I ate it all. The chia pudding with raspberries, coconut and almond slivers is to die for. Love having such an interesting, yummy, friendly little spot so close to home. read more

Looks good but the taste not good we order 4 different plates 4 ppl in total none of us like it at all and funny part about us 4 only one person in picky with food the rest eat rocks if they could. read more

This place is fantastic! Great vibe, wonderful food. The "Periquiero" omlet is to die for, as well as the banana nut muffins! Coffee is excellent, as well, and everyone that works there is super friendly. read more

Love this place! Healthy, creative, casual dining. The best for weekend eggs and coffee!

I love many things about the menu here. I had the Venezuelan benedict which uses the thin arepas which I love But I was disappointed thathebwould not accomodate my request to pay for a few extra arepas to mop up the yummy ness. I also thought it to be a bit pricy considering the portions (a slice of fruit or some berries on the plate would have changed the perception) and he fact that you bus you own table. (Prices compare to full services restaurants though I guess there is no need to tip). That said I will still go back if I find it convenient. The menu is that unique. read more

I loved their sister shop Coffee, Tea and Me. This place is even better. They have outdoor seating too. You have to go up to the counter to order, so sometimes there is a line. I have been here twice, once for brunch and once for lunch. they had a unique selection. I chose the mole enchiladas. The mole sauce was very good lots of spice and favor and a big portion. I tried the raw juice bar, I normally do not like spinach and kale but in their juices are tasty. There is no one fruit or veggie over powering another. I found i new way to get my leafy greens in. The lattes are smooth and rich. I recommend this place. read more

Love this place - never had a bad meal there. Love that they have lots of gluten and dairy free options too! The chia pudding and aerpas are my favs! read more

As good as the food is here, which is quite good, unfortunately the service is at the other end of the spectrum. I've ordered take out from here many times, and the past 3 times in a row something has been missing or incorrect. Perhaps my take away should be to just not order takeout... Regardless, this has been to inconsistent to be a coincidence, it's time to find a new take out spot. read more

Fantastic food! We had the bacon wrapped date/almond appetizer and it was delicious. I had the carne asada and loved it. Will definitely return. read more

Food is great.. Portions are VERYYYYY SMALL! This place is too pricey for the size of the portion! Second time I ordered here and probably my last time! The first time I had an order of tostones they really gave me 4 pieces for $4.95!!!! This place is honestly a rip off, they should really reconsider the portion for the prices or vise versa! read more

If you want good food but wait forever then this is your place. Nice atmosphere, nice food, every time we come food takes at least 40 minutes for two people... read more

great place, great atmosphere, food and specialty coffee drinks taste awesome, broad selection of food choices, (at times very hard to get a seat at a table, due to people that seem to conduct their "home office work" out of this establishment) read more

I love this place!! I had the David smoothie--wow it was amazing!! I also had one of the meals which was also very tasty. Everything is so unique!! read more

I love everything I've tried here. It's really nice to have some good variety in cuisine in Melrose. Nice place to sit for lunch too.

Food, coffee and fresh juices are always awesome. Great service and ample seating inside and out.

took 25 minutes to get hecking chips and guacomole. also who the HECK thinks $7 is a decent price for a smoothie but,,,,, go off.

This place is awesome. The menu satisfies even the most finicky of vegetarians. The vegetarian burrito is loaded with flavor. The arepas are the most authentic in the Boston area. The desserts and coffees meet the level expressed in prior reviews. The place is decorated with such Latin flair. The staff is extremely accommodating. read more

Delicious and healthy smoothies and meals! I originally thought this was just a coffee shop, but it is much more than that!

super good juices, fantastic South American food, great service!

Fantastic chicken mole enchiladas and limonada drink. The people who work there were very pleasant and helpful. The place is very clean. It was my first time going there but I will definitely be back read more

We were so excited for this to open. We are regulars at Coffee Tea and Me and we couldn't wait to see Lorenzo and Emily's new place. La Qchara has a bright, bold interior and a strong sense of Venezuelan identity. It brings a fresh and modern feel to the area. The food and coffee we tried were superb. As with Coffee Tea and Me, Lorenzo is personable and approachable, taking the extra time and effort to say hello, serving food and inquiring about whether all is well. He and the rest of the staff are more than happy to recommend or explain the delicious offerings on the menu. The dishes were delicately prepared and made fresh. We will certainly be back again to sample more. We are happy to support Lorenzo in his new endeavors as well as continue to return to Coffee Tea and Me! read more

Wow! This is exactly what we needed in town. The food is excellent and well priced. The coffee and tea is top quality. The service is great. read more

La QChara and Coffee Tea & Me are definitely two of my favorite places in Melrose. I love how there are both healthy and indulgent options in addition to a range of options for vegetarians (me) and meat eaters (my husband). Specifically my favorites are the coconut peach muffin, Ecuador Quinoa Bowl and Vegetal Torta....yum!! I've definitely starting coming here more often since I discovered the online ordering. It's super convenient to order and pick up on the way home from work. read more

Friendly staff and casual atmosphere. Good selection on the menu and great food! Will be back.

This place is consistently amazing. The service is always top notch as well. Each time we go there we are never disappointed by our regular go items or new items we may decide to try. Everyone we bring loves it too. read more

I love this place! So nice to find a place that offers good, healthy food. Wish it was BYOB and had less cafe items.

Atmosphere is very appealing but the food is the star. Everything is fresh. They did make a mistake with my smoothie but were quick to try to rectify it. The Venezuelan Benedict was very tasty as was their coffee. The Yuca fries are amazing as well. My baby can be picky eating stuff at only a year old but he ate well here. read more

OMG, unbelievably delicious food here. Love this place. Staff member was very rude and rushing us on our last visit, however, which is why I docked off a star. Wish I could give this place 5 stars but service is important. Granted we stopped in 30 minutes before closing, but were told we could not sit down to eat our meal because it was so close to closing time. I didn't think restaurants operated this way. We asked if we could eat our meal outside in the case to which the cashier replied that we could, though he seemed a little bit annoyed by that. He ended up allowing us to eat inside because we sat inside while waiting for our food to be prepared by the kitchen. That was nice but we definitely felt like we weren't wanted there. Since we don't believe that one person represents an entire business and we love the food so much, we will definitely return. There aren't many places locally that offer fantastic South American cuisine like LC does, so we will put up with the attitude to make our palates happy. read more